Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Gokayama
Shirakawa-go, Japan • INR 177 - INR 295 approx.• 
Underrated
Underrated
Best months to visit
Jan, Feb, May
-7°C – 2°C, january in shirakawa-go and gokayama is characterized by very low temperatures and heavy snowfall, high crowds, peak season
-7°C – 2°C, january in shirakawa-go and gokayama is characterized by very low temperatures and heavy snowfall, high crowds, peak season
Walking required
Yes
Main roads accessible; some areas hilly with stairs.
Main roads accessible; some areas hilly with stairs.
Value for money
Medium
Parking fees and museum costs were reasonable for the experience.
Parking fees and museum costs were reasonable for the experience.
Highlights we curated for you
See what similar travellers think of this activity
C
Reviews from other travelers
Summarised by AI
Romantic Getaway
Couples loved the serene atmosphere and stunning scenery of Gokayama. Highly recommend!
Hidden Gem
Travelers found Gokayama a peaceful escape. Perfect for a romantic, less crowded experience.
Breathtaking Views
The Gassho-zukuri farmhouses were stunning, especially with the mountain backdrop. Magical!
Limited Amenities
Couples found fewer restaurant options. Plan meals in advance for a smooth trip.
Remote Location
Accessibility can be a challenge. Consider bus schedules and travel times carefully.
Winter Challenges
Heavy snowfall can affect travel. Check road conditions and pack accordingly.
How to book
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Hours of operation
Monday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Tuesday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Wednesday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thursday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Friday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Saturday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Sunday
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
In-depth experience
May contain spoilers
Watch curated videos from fellow travellers for a glimpse of what to expect.
Traveler delves into a journey through Shirakawago and Gokayama in this walking tour!
Join a traveler on a captivating visit to the picturesque Gokayama!
Embark on an enthralling virtual journey through the rustic charm of Gokayama.
When to visit
We've analysed user reviews and geographical data, and identified the best and worst months to visit.
Month
Crowd Level
Weather
Availability
Our recommendation
December
HIGH
0-7°C
December is cold with average highs around 7°C and lows near 0°C. The month experiences significant snowfall, transforming the village into a winter wonderland.
December is cold with average highs around 7°C and lows near 0°C. The month experiences significant snowfall, transforming the village into a winter wonderland.
Open
High demand for accommodations; early booking is crucial, especially during holiday periods.
High demand for accommodations; early booking is crucial, especially during holiday periods.
Recommended
December is a peak season in Shirakawa-go, with the village blanketed in snow and hosting winter events. Visitors should prepare for cold weather and ensure accommodations are booked well in advance.
December is a peak season in Shirakawa-go, with the village blanketed in snow and hosting winter events. Visitors should prepare for cold weather and ensure accommodations are booked well in advance.
January
HIGH
-7-2°C
January in Shirakawa-go and Gokayama is characterized by very low temperatures and heavy snowfall. Daytime highs reach approximately 2°C, with nighttime lows dipping to around -7°C. The month is typically the coldest, so be sure to prepare by packing plenty of warm clothing.
January in Shirakawa-go and Gokayama is characterized by very low temperatures and heavy snowfall. Daytime highs reach approximately 2°C, with nighttime lows dipping to around -7°C. The month is typically the coldest, so be sure to prepare by packing plenty of warm clothing.
Open
Due to high demand during the winter light-up events, accommodations and tours may be fully booked if not reserved well in advance.
Due to high demand during the winter light-up events, accommodations and tours may be fully booked if not reserved well in advance.
Recommended
January offers a magical winter experience with heavy snowfall transforming the villages into a fairytale scene. The winter light-up events, held on select Sundays and Mondays, illuminate the gassho-zukuri houses, creating breathtaking views. However, the popularity of these events means higher prices and limited availability, so early planning is essential.
January offers a magical winter experience with heavy snowfall transforming the villages into a fairytale scene. The winter light-up events, held on select Sundays and Mondays, illuminate the gassho-zukuri houses, creating breathtaking views. However, the popularity of these events means higher prices and limited availability, so early planning is essential.
February
HIGH
-6-3°C
February continues the cold trend with heavy snowfall. Daytime temperatures reach around 3°C, while nighttime temperatures can drop to -6°C. Snowfall remains abundant, contributing to the winter wonderland atmosphere.
February continues the cold trend with heavy snowfall. Daytime temperatures reach around 3°C, while nighttime temperatures can drop to -6°C. Snowfall remains abundant, contributing to the winter wonderland atmosphere.
Open
Due to high demand during the winter light-up events, accommodations and tours may be fully booked if not reserved well in advance.
Due to high demand during the winter light-up events, accommodations and tours may be fully booked if not reserved well in advance.
Recommended
February offers a continuation of the enchanting winter scenery with heavy snowfall and the continuation of the winter light-up events. The illuminated gassho-zukuri houses against the snowy backdrop provide stunning views. As with January, the popularity of these events means higher prices and limited availability, so early planning is essential.
February offers a continuation of the enchanting winter scenery with heavy snowfall and the continuation of the winter light-up events. The illuminated gassho-zukuri houses against the snowy backdrop provide stunning views. As with January, the popularity of these events means higher prices and limited availability, so early planning is essential.
March
MEDIUM
-2-10°C
March marks the transition from winter to spring. Daytime temperatures can reach up to 10°C, while nighttime temperatures may still drop below freezing. Snow begins to melt, and early signs of spring emerge.
March marks the transition from winter to spring. Daytime temperatures can reach up to 10°C, while nighttime temperatures may still drop below freezing. Snow begins to melt, and early signs of spring emerge.
Open
With the end of the peak season, accommodations and tours are more readily available.
With the end of the peak season, accommodations and tours are more readily available.
Recommended
March offers a blend of winter and spring experiences. While snow may still be present, especially in early March, the melting snow and budding flora signal the arrival of spring. This period provides a quieter atmosphere with fewer tourists and more affordable prices.
March offers a blend of winter and spring experiences. While snow may still be present, especially in early March, the melting snow and budding flora signal the arrival of spring. This period provides a quieter atmosphere with fewer tourists and more affordable prices.
How to get there
Bus
Recommended
Buses are the most common way to reach Gokayama and Shirakawa-go. The Kaetsuno Bus connects Takaoka Station and Shin-Takaoka Station with Ainokura and Suganuma. Nohi Bus operates from Takayama Station to Shirakawa-go. Hokutetsu Bus runs from Kanazawa Station to Shirakawa-go.
Car
Recommended
Driving is a viable option, especially outside of heavy winter snow season. The Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway provides the most direct route to the region. Key access points are the Gokayama Interchange (IC) and the Shirakawa-go IC.
Taxi
Taxis are available for travel to and within the region, offering a convenient but more expensive mode of transport. Chartered taxi tours are also an option for those seeking a personalized experience.
Additional info
Here's what you need to know about this experience
Mobility
Wheelchair Accessible
Walking Required
Stairs Present
Seating Available
Flat Terrain
Hiking Required
Elevator Available
Mobility Scooter Friendly
Ramps Available
Pregnancy
Suitable for pregnancy
Allowed during pregnancy
Pets
Pets not allowed
Driving
Driving License Required
Idp Required